Rome in February

All I can say is: Last February (2014) we went to Rome for a 5 day getaway. The weather was fantastic. Although it might have been an aberration, we had sunny weather and temps around 70 the entire time. We visited the Capitoline Museum and had it all to ourselves. Fabulous! With the exception of the Spanish Steps, everywhere we went was fairly uncrowded.

I had a fabulous time in Feb in Rome 2 years ago - short sleeves and a light jacket.

Umbrella on the Appian Way when we got soaked.

Total crap shoot. Might snow, might be sunny.

Yes, it can be cool, but not compared to most of Canada. We are out and about in all weather in all seasons. You just have to dress for it. Will it rain? Probably at least once during your trip. It could also be 16 (centigrade) and sunny! Food - of course! Lots of museums when it is inclement, and the historic sites that are not indoors are still thre, still accessible. For a real treat, go to Le Domus Romane. The crowds wil be thinner, which is a huge benefit to off-season travel.

Rather than trust anectodal evidence from other travelers, you should check the statistical evidence. Temperatures generally range from 4 (low) to 13 (high) centigrade.
It can be rainy with 13 days of rain (out of 28 in February) and 99 mm of precipitation on average. Snow is rare in Rome.
http://www.holiday-weather.com/rome/averages/

4 years ago I went to Rome in February and had warm sunny weather (mid-50's to high 60's). Some days I didn't even need a jacket. 2 years later I went back and it snowed (first time in 25 years or so) and it was wonderful. It wasn't very cold and the sun came out and the city was beautiful. I've only been twice, so I can't compare with any other time of year. There was repair work being done in some of the streets and some buildings and most of the sights weren't particularly crowded. There are lots of indoor sights if it rains and as a bonus, the hotel rates are a lot less than in high season.

I've been to Rome in February many times, great time to visit. It may rain, maybe even snow (it did the year that I got married there), but the sun comes out and there are tons of things to do indoors during winter hours.

Historical sights are everywhere; some indoors are the Pantheon, Vatican Museums and Saint Peter's Basilica, Castel Sant'Angelo, the Capitoline Museum, depends on your specific interests. For food, lots of places along Via del Governo Vecchio near Piazza Navona, Taverna Triluzzi in Trastevere.

In mid-February, 2015, I would try to experience the bigger Carnevale celebrations in Venice and in Ivrea. I don't believe that Rome places much emphasis on the holiday.

I like Roberto's approach to weather questions, for the reasons he gives.

Chris,

So far, no one has addressed the crowd issues. Weather issues aside, Feb- March is an ideal time to enjoy Rome without the throngs that prevail in the June- October timeframe.

Have a great trip!

Thanks for the help everyone. I had checked the weather averages but that can only tell you so much about what a place is like at a certain time. Knowing that the crowds are less but there is still plenty to see and do is reassuring.